The Books
with reference to or about the
British South Africa Police

The British South Africa Police force is steeped in the history of then Rhodesia and much has been written about the force over the years by historians, adventurers and a good number of former members themselves.    This page attempts to bring to you a bibliography of works which make reference to the British South Africa Police.

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Non-Fiction Section (BSAP Specific)

ABBOT, Peter and BOTHAM, Philip
Modern African Wars : Rhodesia 1965 - 80
London : Osprey Publishing Ltd. 1986.
Osprey published a “Man at War” series, which included No. 183 the Rhodesian war book. Number of colour plates (by Mike Chappell), together with many black and white photographs of all members of the Security Forces. The BSA Police plate shows a Deputy Commissioner, an African Constable and a European Support Unit member, all in uniform.

ALDERSON, E.A.H.Lieut.-Colonel
With the Mounted Infantry and the M.F.F. 1896.
London : Methuen & Co.Ltd. 1898.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1971.
An account of military operations during the 1896 Mashonaland Rebellion. Mention is made of the Mashonaland Mounted Police and the names of persons who served in the Unit. Book contains casualty lists in which the names of the of the MMP are included. There is an Appendix giving details of patrols, some of which were performed by members of the MMP.

AMERY, L.S. ed.
Times History of the War in South Africa 1899 - 1902. 7 Vols.
London : Sampson Low, Marston & Co.Ltd. 1909.
The seventh volume is the index, which was published in 1909. The other volumes appeared before this date. The history of the South African War includes frequent references to the BSA Police’s involvement in the conflict in Bechuanaland and the Transvaal.

ANDERSON, Ross
The Forgotten Front 1914-1918
Tempus Publishing Ltd 2004
The story of the East African Campaign. Although the names BSA Police and Rhodesian Police do not appear in the index, they are included in the text (p.103, p.129 and p.290). There is, however, extensive coverage given to Murray's Column, led by 1017 Col. Ronald Ernest Murray, who attested into the BSA Police on 12-Apr-1899 and was later commissioned. In 1915 he led a Column in East Africa under General Northey, which as well as the BSA Police, included from time to time members of the NRP, KAR, 1st RNR and South African Infantry Regiment in its ranks. The publication will be useful to researchers interested in the movement of BSA Police during the Great War in German East Africa.

ARNEIL, A.J.
Badges and Insignia of the Rhodesian Security Forces 1890 - 1980.
Germiston, S.A.: Alec Kaplan & Son. 1987
Although some are not listed, the book is a comprehensive record of badges and insignia of the Rhodesian Security Forces, including the Mashonaland and Matabeleland Mounted Police, the Southern Rhodesian Constabulary and the BSA Police, but not the BSACP. Researchers should, however, beware as the book is reputed to contain a number of inaccuracies. One count suggested at least 35 errors, including some relevant to the BSA Police.

ARSENIS Mylda L
Horse and Rider Tales from Africa and Australia
Arthur H Stockwell Ltd, Ilfracombe, 1960
An interesting book of a foreword and ten short chapters regarding equestrian interest in southern Africa and Australia. One chapter deals with the Mounted Men of the British South Africa Police, another with Fredrick Courtney Selous (hunting on horseback). The BSAP chapter deals with equestrian stories from the early days of Rhodesia. Particular BSAP personalities mentioned: Trooper Thomas and the postal incident of 18 December 1890; Trooper AJ Mallet-Veale “of the Company’s B Troop” recounts an incident when acting as a despatch rider taking a ride between Charter and Umfuli station. This story is taken from the Dec 1940 edn of The Outpost; Trooper Frank William Baxter who would have been awarded the VC had he survived is attempt to save Cpl Wiseman in 22 Apr 1896; Lt Fredrick Harding Crewe whose gallant actions to save Godfrey Hook by giving him his horse was immortalised by Frank Dodd RI in his painting, now hanging in the Durban Museum and Art Gallery (Is this painting still on display in Durban?). Finally, there is an interesting piece on riding in the bush and on the types of equestrian patrols mounted by the BSAP. There is a fine photograph of a post WWII mounted BSAP trooper.
Andrew Banks

ASTON, P.E. ed.
The Raid on the Transvaal.
London : Dean & Son. 1896.
Gives a general resume of the Raid, including the build up, the Raid itself and the aftermath. Does not seem to include anything that has not been published in other books. Jameson’s name appears on the cover, although he is not known to have been the author. Opinion of a BSA Police historian is that the book does not increase knowledge of the actual participants or overall numbers involved.

BAXTER, T.W. ed.
Guide to the Public Archives of Rhodesia.
Salisbury : National Archives of Rhodesia. 1969.
The book is described as Vol. 1 1890 - 1923. It contains frequent references to the BSA Police, which are the subject of a separate entry elsewhere in the Bibliography. A Vol.2 of the Guide was never published.

BAXTER, T.W. and BURKE, E.E. .
Guide to the Historical Manuscripts in the National Archives of Rhodesia. Salisbury :
National Archives of Rhodesia. 1970 Archives
The Historical Manuscripts Collection at the National Archives in now Zimbabwe, includes references to the personal papers of many individuals, who served in one or other of Rhodesia’s law enforcement agencies. Details have been extracted and are included elsewhere in the Bibliography. No Guide covering the period subsequent to 1970 was ever published.

BEACH, D.N. Foreword
The ‘96 Rebellions : The British South Africa Company Reports on the Native Disturbances in Rhodesia, 1896 97.
Originally published as : The British South Africa Company Reports on the Native Disturbances in Rhodesia 1896 - 1897.
London : BSA Co. 1898.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1975.
Details of patrols in which members of the BSA Police were involved are recorded. Also included are the names of those policemen, who were wounded or died.

BLAKE, Lord Robert
A History of Rhodesia
Alfred A Knopf, New York - 1978
ISBN: 0-394-48068-6
Covers the history of Rhodesia from prehistory days until 1977. Gives an account of the pioneers column and Lt Col Pennfather's BSACP escorting it until the parade on Sept 13 1890 when the Union Jack was run up in Cecil Square. Gives an account of the Matabele War with mentions of the BSACP and the Botswana Border Police etc. Gives an account of the Rebellions of 1896 and 1897 including little known incidents like the capture of Mashiangombi's kraal near Hartley. The police, of course, were heavily involved. After the rebellions the accent is on the political and there are few mentions of the police - Peter Stiff

BOND, Geoffrey
Remember Mazoe.
Salisbury : Pioneer Head. 1973.

The story of the Mazoe Patrol, which is relevant to the BSA Police and in particular Randolph Nesbitt V.C.

BRELSFORD, W.V.ed
The story of the Northern Rhodesia Regiment
Lusaka, Zambia : Government Printers. 1954.
Republished. Bromley, England : Galago Publishing. 1990.
The author concentrates of the period of the Great War 1914 - 18 and in particular the conflict in East Africa. Mention made of the BSA Police, which was also involved in the same area of conflict.

BRUCE, Sir Michael William Selby. BSA Police: 1723 - 29-Aug-1913 to 14-Dec-1914.
Songs from the Saddle.
Dublin : Hodges, Figgis & Co. Ltd.1917
Sails and Saddles.
London : Jonathan Cape. 1929.
Peaks of Hazard.
Indianapolis : Bobbs Merrill . 1929
Tramp Royal.
London : Elek Books Ltd. 1954
No Escape from Adventure.
New York : Hastings House. 1954
The memoirs of the 11th Baronet of Stenhouse and Arith, who joined the BSA Police aged 18 years in 1913 serving in the Eastern Districts and the Chobe area, where he was wounded at the beginning of the Great War. He was discharged on the 14-Dec-1914 to “Rejoin his Regiment”.  Researchers, however, should beware. BRUCE was a member of the BSA Police, who liked to write and rewrite and rewrite his memoirs. The author on more than one occasion tells completely different stories about the same event. No Escape from Adventure for instance, would seem to be the American title of Tramp Royal, both being published the same year, with the lines from the first chapter being identical in both books.
The “Sir” was an hereditary title and not meritorious.

BRYSON, Ian Grant.”Brick”. BSA Police Reserve 6425 - Served: 1956 to 1975. BSA Police 9322 1975 to 31-Dec-1978.
Tatenda.
Ballito, S.A.: Leeward Publishers.1999.
The author grew up in Rhodesia and the book is autobiographical and portrays life in Rhodesia in the 1920’s and 30’s, his school days, war service and farming after World War II. The last four chapters are devoted mainly to his work in the BSA Police Reserve, and later as a regular member of the Police Anti Terrorist Unit (PATU). He retired at the end of 1978.

BUTLER, Jeffrey and SCHREUDER, Deryck eds.
Sir Graham Bower’s Secret History of the Jameson Raid and the South
African Crisis.
Cape Town : Van Riebeck Society (Second Series No.33). 2002
Includes references to both the Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP) and the BSACP.

CARTER, Terrence and WRIGHT, T.
The Northern Rhodesian Record and A History of the Northern Rhodesian Police.
Worthing : David Bell. 1992
Includes the early history of the BSA Police in relation to Barotseland and Northern Rhodesia.

CAREY, Robert
Charter Royal. Cape Town : Howard Timmins. 1970
Story of the Chartered Company from the Rudd Concession to the 1893 Matabele War. Many references to the BSACP included.

CASSELL
History of the Boer War 1899 - 1902. - 2 Volumes
London : Cassell & Co Ltd. 1903.
An illustrated history, which includes chapters on Operations in Rhodesia, the Siege and Relief of Mafeking, Siege at Elands River and events in the western Transvaal, all of which involved the BSA Police.

CHAMBERLAIN, Max and DROOGLEEVER, Robert
The War with Johnny Boer – Australians in the Boer War 1899 – 1902.
Loftus : Australian Military History Publications. 2003.
A compilation of eye witness accounts from Australian combatants, including the actions at Rhodes’ Drift, Bryces Store and Crocodile Poort during Plumer’s march to relieve Mafeking, with several references to the involvement of Rhodesians and members of the BSA Police.

CHAZA, Albert Gahadzikwa BSA Police 9885 1936 to 1957
Bhurakuwacha : Black Policeman in Rhodesia
Harare : College Press. 1998.
An autobiography by a former African member of the Force. He was a well known player, captain and administrator of the police soccer team.  He is also credited with being the first member of the African Police Reserve. Feature articles on the author appeared in the March, 1959 edition of “Mapolisa” and December, 1977 edition of the “Outpost”. The Zimbabwe Herald for 22 November, 1996, included a congratulatory insert and photograph on his 80th birthday, together with another photograph of him in uniform as a young constable.

CLARK, Henry Alfred BSA Police 6283 17-Jan-1961 to 17-Jul-1981
A Policeman’s narrative of Witchcraft and Murder in Zimbabwe.
Dalbridge, S.A.: Dolphin Press (Pty)Ltd. 1985.
Deals with events after the BSA Police ceased in exist in 1980. Many of those identified by name within the text as members of the ZRP had previously served in the BSA Police. Touches on events in the months prior Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 and the involvement of the BSA Police.

CLARK Mary
The Plumtree Papers
Bulawayo: The Plumtree Foundation - 1983
The history of the Bulalima-Mangwe district and life in Rhodesia up to 1922. Includes information about the BSA Police and members of the Force, stationed in the area, together with some photographs and a map of the village of Plumtree - Geoff Quick

COCKS Chris
Survival Course
Johannesburg: Covos-Day - 1999
Book deals with the author's time in the BSA Police Police Anti Terrorist Unit (PATU) after discharge from the Army, where he served with the RLI and describes his trauma after Rhodesia's terrorist war and his diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder - Geoff Quick

COLE, Barbara
The Elite : Rhodesian S.A.S.
Amanzimtoti, S.A. : Three Knights Publishing. 1984.
The book is the story of the Rhodesian Special Air Service, although the BSA Police is mentioned, as are the names of individuals who served in the Force.

COLVIN, Ian
The Life of Jameson. 2 vols.
London : Edward Arnold & Co. 1923.
The biography of Dr Leander Starr Jameson, who was administration of Mashonaland after the Occupation in 1890. Includes frequent references to the BSACP. Also the Raid in 1896, which was named after Jameson and involved members of the Mashonaland and Matabeleland Mounted Police.

COMBE, Phillip Harvey
BSA Police: 2455 Served: 24-Mar-1922 to 15-Apr-1925
Hunting Beasts and Men
London: Robert Hale & Co.Ltd - 1937
Author describes how he arrived in Cape Town after the Great War to join the Rhodesian Mounted Police. Besides the excitement of a trooper's life and his law enforcement duties he managed to hunt buffalo, rhinoceros, hippopotamus and antelope in the border country between Rhodesia and Portuguese East Africa. It is not known why Combe used the term RMP as opposed to BSA Police, to describe his service in Rhodesia - Geoff Quick

CRABTREE, William “Bill” BSA Police 3708 14-Apr-1938/May-1970
Came the Fourth Flag
Lancaster : Carnegie Publishing Ltd. 2002.
The autobiography of a former member of the BSA Police, who retired as a Deputy Commissioner having previously served as the Officer Commanding Special Branch. The book mentions many of the people with whom the author served in the BSA Police.

CRAMER James
The World's Police
London: Cassell - 1964
In its chapter Police Forces of British Colonies, Southern Rhodesia is dealt with on pages 234 - 238 - Geoff Quick

CRAVEN, David BSA Police 5210 4-Aug-1954 to 1969
Mapolisa
Rooepoort, S.A. : Covos Books.1998.
Some reminiscences of a Rhodesian Policeman, who served in the BSA Police from 1948 - 1969, when he retired with the rank of Superintendent.

DARTER Adrian
The Pioneers of Mashonaland
London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton & Kent Ltd - 1914
Bulawayo: Republished by Books of Rhodesia - 1977
A story written by a member of the 1890 Pioneer Column and makes numerous references to the lives of members of the BSACP and Pioneers. Includes photographs, nominal rolls and a map - Geoff Quick

ELDRIDGE, A.W.C.BSA Police F/Res. 15378
Just out of Sight
London : Minerva Press.1998
Autobiographical, by a former member of the BSA Police Reserve, who was a deputy stick leader in a Police Anti Terrorist Unit (PATU).

ELLERT, Henric Brouner BSA Police 7052 13/2/1964 to 1980
The Rhodesia Front War
Gweru : Mambo Press. 1989
Includes frequent references to the BSA Police between 1964 - 80 by a former member of the Force, who served during that period.

FINLASON, C.E.
A Nobody in Mashonaland
London : George Vickers and J.C.Juta & Co., Cape Town. 1893.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1970.
The experiences of a journalist, who in 1891 visited Salisbury and Mashonaland by ox-cart. Brief mention of the BSA Police at Umtali and the statement “Hospitality is not a strong point with the BSA Police officers.”

FITZPATRICK, J P (Sir Percy)
The Transvaal from Within: A private record of public affairs
William Heinemann, London, 1899
The full inside story of events leading to the Jameson Raid in which the BSA Police was heavily , the recruitment of the raiders, the raid itself, the battle or Doornkop and the events afterwards - Peter Stiff, 4831

FLOWER, Ken BSA Police 3654 8-Apr-1937 to 30-Jun-1969
Serving Secretly
Harare : Quest Publishing (Pvt)Ltd.1987.
The story of a former member of the British South Africa Police, who went onto become head of Rhodesia’s Central Intelligence Organisation from 1964 - 1981, including the period when the country became Zimbabwe.

FLOWER-SMITH, M.and YORKE, Edmund
Mafeking : The Story of the Siege.
Weltevredenpark, S.A. : Covos-Day Books. 2000.
The BSA Police No.1 (Bechuanaland) Division had its headquarters in Mafeking, where some members of the Unit were entrapped at the beginning of the
1899-1902 South AfricanWar.

FORSYTH, Dr
British South Africa Company Medal Roll 1890 - 1893 - 1896 - 1897.
Private Publication. n.d.
All members of the BSACP would have received the 1890 Medal for their involvement in the Occupation of Mashonaland. Serving policemen, at the time, would have been entitled to the 1893 Matabele War Medal and a medal for the 1896 - 97 Rebellion. In a number of instances members would have received a bar only to their 1890 medal.

GALE, W.D.
Zambezi Sunrise
Cape Town : Howard Timmins. 1958.
Book includes chapters about the 1890 Pioneer Column, 1895-96 Jameson Raid and the 1896 Mashonaland Rebellion. The BSACP and BSA Police were involved in all these events.

GARDENER, Brian
Mafeking: A Victorian Legend
Cassell, London, 1966
Covers the role of the BSA Police in the siege. Shows them as 10 officers and 81 other ranks under Lr Col Walford. Describes the actions with the armoured train and contains a photo of its BSA Police crew with the train. Describes the Battle of Cannon Kopje and details how eight men were KIA and three wounded. It notes how Baden Powell gave the BSA Police no support until it was almost too late. Relates how Plumer led a recce team of BSA Police from Tuli over the Limpopo against Baden Powell's orders. They covered 54 miles in 18 hours with no watering and in extreme heat. Described as a remarkable feat. Covers Plumer's relief column at the end.
Peter Stiff

GELFAND, Michael
Tropical Victory
Cape Town and Johannesburg : Juta & Co.Ltd. 1953.
An account of the influence of medicine on the history of Southern Rhodesia 1890 - 1923. Includes mention of the BSA Police and members of the Force and the part they played in some instances in the country’s medical history.

GIBBS, Peter BSA Police Reserve
A Flag for the Matabele
Frederick Muller Ltd London, 1955
A story of the invasion of Matebeleland, but with only passing references to the BSACP and the Jameson Raid.
The First Line of Defence
Salisbury : British South Africa Police. 1972.
Volume One of the History of the British South Africa Police covering the years 1899 - 1903, including participation in the Occupation of Mashonaland, the first Matabele War, the Jameson Raid, the suppression of the Matabele and Mashonaland Rebellions, the relief of Mafeking and the campaign in the Western Transvaal during the South African War.
The Right of the Line
Salisbury : Kingstons Ltd.1974.
Volume Two of the History of the British South Africa Police from the years 1903 to 1939, including the Force’s involvement in the Great War. Is the story of the transformation of a mounted infantry regiment into a professional police force.

GIBBS, Peter and PHILLIPS, Hugh BSA Police 4770 13-Aug-1951 to 12-Jul-1980
The History of the British South Africa Police
Ringwood : Something of Value (Australia) Pty. Ltd. 2000.
The definitive history of a police force, including the two parts written by Peter Gibbs, from the hardship of settlement in 1889 to the outbreak of World War II in 1939; and the equally tumultuous years from 1940 to 1980 by a former member of the BSA Police.Includes the BSA Police nominal roll of every regular European member (including women), who served in the Force between 1903 - 1980.

GLASS Stafford
The Matabele War
London: Longmans, Green Co Ltd - 1968
The involvement of the BSA Co's forces, including the BSACP receive extensive coverage - Geoff Quick

GODLEY, Richard Sherman
Khaki and Blue.
London : Lovat, Dickson & Thompson. 1935.
The autobiography of a person, who served for thirty five years in the military in Southern Africa, including a period in the BSA Police, where he played a role in the Relief of Mafeking.

GODWIN, Peter  BSA Police NSPO 901553
Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa
London : Picador. 1996.


The author was a former BSA Police National Service Patrol Officer and book includes his experiences, whilst in training and later on duty.

GODWIN, Peter and HANCOCK, Ian
Rhodesians Never Die
London : Oxford University Press. 1993
Harare : Baobab Books. 1995]
Co-author is identical to person identified in the previous entry. Publication described as being about the impact of war and political change on white Rhodesia 1970 - 80. Frequent mention of the BSA Police and units within the Force, including PATU, Police Reserve, Support Unit and Special Branch. Personalities who served in the Force during this period also named.

GOODWIN-GREEN, Elsa
Raiders and Rebels in South Africa
London : George Newnes Ltd. 1898.
Bulawayo: Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1976.
The story of a nurse in Southern Africa as told by herself. She was present in Krugersdorp in 1896 and helped treat some of the wounded, who had taken part in the Jameson Raid. Names of several, who had served in the BSA Police mentioned.

GREENE, L.Patrick (Lewis Montague GREEN. BSA Police 1278. 13-Aug-1910 to 1-Jun-1913)
Trooper Useless.
London : George H. Harap & Co. Ltd. 1936.
Not so Useless.
London : George H. Harap & Co.Ltd. 1938.
Both books appear to be dramatised versions of the author’s experiences in the BSA Police during the period between the two World Wars. Researchers should beware, as it is likely that some of the content of both books is probably fiction.

GRINNELL-MILNE, Duncan
Baden-Powell at Mafeking
The Bodley Head, London, 1957
Numerous mentions of the BSA Police's role in the siege. The BSA Police barracks, the armoured train, Cannon Kopje, the BSA Police Fort and so on. Also deals with Plumer's relief column of which the BSA Police made up 200 of the 450 mounted men.
Peter Stiff

HAMLEY, Richard.
BSA Police: 5567 Served: 28-Oct-1956 to 27-Sep-1959,
BSA Police: 6219 Served: 20-Oct-1960 to 31-Oct-1982
The Regiment
Cape Town : T.V.Bulpin & Books of Africa(Pty)Ltd. 1971
Salisbury : Quest Publishing (Pvt)Ltd. 1980
Weltevredenpark, S.A.: Covos Day Books, .2000.



The history of the uniforms of the BSA Police. The first edition appeared with black and white illustrations. The second edition by Quest Publishing included coloured plates and was a limited edition of 350 copies. It appears probable, however, that a number of pirated copies were also released into the market, allegedly by an employee of Mardon Printers in Salisbury. The last publication by Covos Books included a semi-soft cover edition.

HARDING, Col. Colin, CMG
In Remotest Barotseland
Hurst & Blackett, London, 1905
An account of his service as head of the Barotseland Division of the BSA Police - Peter Stiff, 4831
Far Bugles.
London : Simpkin Marshall Ltd. 1933
Story of author’s life and service in the Mashonaland Mounted Police and the BSA Police, from 1896 to the early 1900’s. He was the head of the Barotseland Division of the BSA Police and resigned in 1905, over the implementation of hut tax. Later served in the Colonial Police in West Africa and during the Great War of 1914 - 18, was a battalion commander.
Frontier Patrols.
Bristol : Western Printing Services. 1937.
London : G. Bell & Sons.1938
A history of the BSA Police (from its inception to about 1936) and other Rhodesian Forces. Includes a chapter devoted to the BSACP, together with information about the Jameson Raid and the BSA Police. Contains eleven photographs relevant to the BSACP and BSA Police. Appendix includes all casualties up to 1897, list of those who served in the Rhodesia Native Regt. during the Great War. Honours and Awards and those who died during the 1914-18 War also included.

HARDY, Alan
Some Famous Rhodesian Trials.
Bulawayo : Books of Zimbabwe. 1981
A visit down memory lane by a Rhodesian school teacher to the criminal courts and some of famous cases between 1904 - 1979, all of which would have been investigated and brought to trial by members of the British South Africa Police.

HARVEY-BROWN, William.
On the South African Frontier.
London : Sampson Low, Marston & Co. 1899.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1970.
The adventures and observations of an American in Mashonaland and Matabeleland in the 1890’s. The book has an index and the BSACP is only mentioned twice in passing, although there is a chapter devoted to law
and order in the early days.

HICKMAN, Col. Arthur Selwyn BSA Police 2622 1-Aug-1924 to 6-Nov-1955
The Men who made Rhodesia.
Salisbury : British South Africa Company.1960.
Nominal Roll of the British South Africa Company Police, including biographical information on many of those who served
Rhodesia served the Queen . 2 vols.
The history of Rhodesia’s involvement in the 1899 - 1902 South African War, including the participation of a number of members of the BSA Police and other Units, with particular reference to Bechuanaland and the Western Transvaal.

HILL, Geoffrey
Battle for Zimbabwe - The Final Countdown
Zebra Press, 2003
The author is a former member of the Rhodesian Army's Intelligence Corp., who was attached to Special Branch, Mount Darwin during the terrorist war
Geoff Quick

HOBLEY, Charles William “Bill” BSA Police 4234 22-Dec-1947 to 1979.
Without the Law - Truth, Lies and Mistakes.
Harare : Whole Earth Books. 2000.
The author joined the BSA Police in 1947 and retired in the rank of Assistant Commissioner in 1979. He spent most of his time in the C.I.D. stationed in Salisbury. The book covers many of the cases he was involved with during his career.

HOLE, Hugh Marshall Lt. Col.
Old Rhodesian Days
London : MacMillan & Co. Ltd. 1928.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1976.
Was part of the Pioneer Column which occupied Mashonaland and was involved with the administration of the country in the 1890’s. His book includes a section on early policing in Rhodesia.
Jameson Raid.
London : Philip Alan & Co. Ltd 1930
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1973.
An authoritative account of the abortive 1896 Jameson Raid into the Transvaal. The majority of the troops involved were policemen from Mashonaland and Matabeleland, as well as Bechuanaland

HUGGINS, Sir Godfrey. Foreword.
Blue and Old Gold.
Cape Town : Howard Timmins.1953.
A selection of stories from the BSA Police Outpost Magazine by various authors, published by permission of the Commissioner of Police Brigadier J.Appelby.

INGLETON, Roy D.
Police of the World
London: Ian Allan, 1979
The BSA Police is covered on pages 136 - 139 and includes three photographs of town and district members, as well as a woman patrol officer and a woman constable.
Geoff Quick

JACKSON, Peter
Historic Buildings of Harare 1890 - 1940.
Salisbury : Quest Publishing. 1986.
The title of the book is self explanatory and includes references to buildings occupied by the BSA Police, in particular the old police station in Baker Avenue, police cottage in Rhodes Avenue, barracks in Fife Avenue, Cecil House and the Commandants Office in Morris Depot.

JOHNSON, Sir Frank S.O.
Great Days.
London : G.Bell & Sons Ltd. 1940.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1972.
The autobiography of a member of the Bechuanaland Border Police, who was contracted by Rhodes to occupy Mashonaland in 1890. Johnson’s Pioneer Corps was accompanied on its march by the newly formed BSACP and as such this is also the story of the BSACP’s roll in the occupation of Mashonaland

KEMP, S
Black Frontiers.
London : George Harrap & Co. Ltd.1932
A non-fictional account of the author Sam Kemp's adventures in southern Africa including his time in the BSACP as No. 458 Trooper S Kemp, discharged at Ft Vic 30th Sept 1891 and dedicated to a “A Trooper, Rhodesian Mounted Police".

LAING, D.Tyrie Major
The Matabele Rebellion with the Belingwe Field Force.
London : Dean & Sons. 1897.
Not directly about the BSA Police, but includes the names of many former members of the Regiment, including at least one Jameson Raider.

LAIRD, D.
Uniforms of the Security Forces of Rhodesia.
Salisbury : Musketeer Press. 1979.
Illustrated history of the country’s military uniforms, including the BSA Police.

LEONARD, Major Arthur Glyn
How we made Rhodesia.
London : Kegan Paul, TrenchTrubner & Co.1896.
Bulawayo: Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1973.
A professional soldier and member of the British South Africa Company Police, who was officer in charge of “E” Troop of the BSACP. This is his diary covering the period, when he was based at Fort Matlaputla in north-east Bechuanaland and later at Fort Tuli in Matabeleland. During his two years service with the BSACP, Leonard came in contact with many of those who were associated with the founding of Rhodesia.

LEMON, David Michael BSA Police 8693 13-Oct-1971 to 4-Sep-1982
Never Quite a Soldier.
Stroud : Albida Books.2001/2002?
Described as the powerful, compelling and brutally honest story of a member of the BSA Police and his involvement in the terrorist war.

LEVIN, L.S. ed
Guide to Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Salisbury, Rhodesia : A.J.Levin. Various dates.
During the existence of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, between 1953 - 63, what was described as an Annual Book was published. It was basically an “everything you ever wanted to know about the Federation “publication. There was always a section dealing with the BSA Police, updated each year and which was probably based on information obtained from the Commissioner’s Annual Report.

LLOYD, Frank Eric. “Lofty”. BSA Police 3271. 6-Jan-1932 to 1955.
Rhodesia Patrol.
Ilfraccombe, Devon : Arhur H.Stockwell Ltd. 1965
The book is autobiographical by a former member of the BSA Police, who attested in 1932. He absconded during World War II in order to join up, although he was caught in Northern Rhodesia and imprisoned for a month in the Depot Cells. He was the Depot Mess Caterer in the early 1950’s and retired in 1955.

LOVETT, John BSA Police “A” Reservist.
Contact
Salisbury : Galaxie Press. 1977.
The book is described as a pictorial profile of the terrorist war and Rhodesia’s armed services. There are frequent references to the BSA Police and members who served in the Force.

LUMHOLTZ, Ludvig L. BSA Police 3385.17/5/1934 to 5-Aug-1956
A Slice of Life.
Durham : Pentland Press Ltd., . 1992
Author is in fact Lionel LUMHOLST-SMITH a former member of the CID in the BSA Police and is the story of his life in the Force.

MACBRUCE, James
When the Going was Rough - A Rhodesian Story
Pretoria: Femina Publishers 1983
ISBN: 0 907996 68 X
The book is based on the people of Umtali who stood up to armed confrontation by ZANLA terrorists and Mocambique's FRELIMO troops who launched random rocket attacks against the town.   MacBruce makes frequent reference to the BSA Police and a number of units within the force and includes a chapter entitled "Pro rege, pro lege".  

MAIN, Elizabeth
Man of Mafeking.
Gaborone : The Botswana Society. 1996.
Described as the Bechuanaland Years of Sir Hamilton Goold-Adams, who was at one time commander of the Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP) and was one of those entrapped in Mafeking during the Siege, together with elements of the BSA Police No.1 Division. The BSACP is mentioned a number of times in the book.

MASON, Phillip
The Birth of a Dilemma.
London : OUP. 1958.
The conquest and settlement of Rhodesia, with much information about the early days of both the BBP and the BSACP/

McALEESE, Peter
No Mean Soldier.
London : Orion. 1993.
Author was a former member of the S.A.S., who came to Rhodesia and joined the army during the terrorist war. He writes about working with the Rhodesian Special Branch.

McDONALD, J.F.
War History of Southern Rhodesia 1939 - 45. 2 Vols.
Salisbury : Southern Rhodesia Stationary Office. 1947 (Vol.1)
Salisbury : Authority of Government of Southern Rhodesia. 1950 (Vol.2)
Republished
Bulawayo : Books of Rhodesia . n.d.
History of Rhodesian Forces during WWII, with a few references to the part played by the BSA Police.
Rhodes - A Life
London: Philip Alan & Co. Ltd. and Bulawayo: Republished by Books of Rhodesia, 1927 and 1971
One of the many biographies written about Rhodes and although the name of the BSA Police is not recorded in the index, includes a chapter
"Cutting the Road" about the BSACP (which is mentioned) and the Pioneer Column's march to occupy Mashonaland in 1890.
Geoff Quick

McLAUGHLAN, Peter
Ragtime Soldiers
Bulawayo : Maddox Printers. 1980.
Includes many references to the involvement of the BSA Police and the BSA Police Service Coy. during the First World War, both at home and abroad.

MEGAHEY, Alan
Humphrey Gibbs - Beleaguered Governor.
Basingstoke : MacMillan Press Ltd. 1998.
New York : St. Martin’s Press. Inc. 1998.
A biography of Sir Humphrey Gibbs, who became the Governor of Southern Rhodesia in 1959 and served during the time of UDI. Mention made of the BSA Police and a number of individuals who served in the Force.

MELLOR, Francis Horace BSA Police 2538  6-Jul-1923 to 20-Jan-1924
Sword and Spear.
London : Selwyn & Blount. 1930.
The autobiography of a soldier who served in India and then joined the BSA Police/ Chapter two (Part II) deals with the author’s experiences in the BSA Police and includes a picture of him with a mounted group.

MENDELSSOHN, Sidney
South African Bibliography ,
1910
(p55) records “The account of the Jameson Raid is prefaced by a short history of Rhodesia, from the granting of the Royal Charter to the death of Lobengula, and a sketch of the Boers up to the time of the Raid.

MOORCROFT, Paul
Contact II
Johannesburg : Sygma Books. 1982.
Covers the history of events in Rhodesia 1977 - 79, with mention of the BSA Police and persons who served in the Force. Includes details of honours, awards and medal rolls, together with photographs and is a continuation of John Lovett’s Contact.

OLLIVER, Patrick
Commandos Be Brousse.
Paris : Bernard Grasset. 1985.
A book published in French, by a former member of the Grey Scouts, which was a military mounted unit during the terrorist war. Included are references to the BSA Police.

O'REILLY, John
Pursuit of the King
Books of Rhodesia Byo - 1970
An important evaluation of the Shangani Patrol and the stand of Alan Wilson's reconnaissance party. The account has been reconstructed from an extensive bibliography and is enhanced by 11pages of annotations and 43 biographies. Frequent mentions of BBP and BSACP - Peter Stiff

PAKENHAM, Elizabeth
Jameson Raid
London:Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1960
Although members of the Mashonaland and Matabeleland Mounted Police made up the majority of those involved in the Raid, the book does not contain and material which furthers the researchers interest in the Regimental History.
Geoff Quick

PALLEY, C.
The Constitutional History and Law of Southern Rhodesia 1888 - 1965.
Oxford : Claredon Press. 1966.
The BSA Police and how they stood legally.

PARKER, Jim BSA Police 8091 27-Jul-1968-1-Dec-1973
Assignment Selous Scouts
Alberton, S.A.: Galago Publishing. 2006



Although involved in the conflict earlier while a regular policeman, the author stepped back into the Rhodesian Bush War in mid 1977 when as a farmer and a police A Reservist he was appointed as a Special Branch liaison officer with the Selous Scouts at their Chiredzi Fort in the Lowveld. Much of what he has written in this book has come from his personal knowledge and experience. Parker's book makes much reference to the BSA Police and its Special Branch.
The book has been placed on the Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award 2007 Shortlist.

PARSONS, Neil and CROWDER, Michael eds.
Monarch of All I Survey.
Gaborone : The Botswana Society. 1988.
The Bechuanaland Diaries 1929 - 37 of Sir Charles Rey, the countries Resident Commissioner. The part played by the BSA Police at the re-internment of the former Rhodesian Premier in the Matopos is described. There is also mention of Lt. Col. R.M. Daniel a former member of the BSA Police No.1 Division and Col. R.S. Godley, a former member of the BSA Police, who in 1935 spent two years re-organising the Bechuanaland Police and had prior to his arrival in the country published his autobiography Khaki and Blue. The son of Baden-Powell, hero of Mafeking and founder of the Boy Scouts, is mentioned as having passed through Bechuanaland on his way north to join the BSA Police in May, 1934.

PHILLIPS, N.V. Sqd.Lrd., CHRISTIE, Dick, COOKE, Peter and SYKES, Bill.
Bush Horizons.
Harare : Air Force Association of Zimbabwe. 1999.
The story of aviation in Southern Rhodesia 1896 - 1940, which includes references to the BSA Police and in particular the Regiment’s involvement in the 1935 Copper Belt Riots in Northern Rhodesia.

POWELL Geoffrey
Plumer : The Soldier's General
London : Leo Cooper/Barnsley:Republished by Pen & Sword Military Classics, 1990/2004
Chapters two and three cover the 1893 Matabele Rebellion and the 1899 - 1902 South African War and includes references to the BSA Police and personalities who served in the Force at the time.
Geoff Quick

RADFORD, M.P.
Service before Self.
Wellington : Mark Radford. 1996
A short history of the BSACP, Mashonaland and Matabeleland Mounted Police and the BSA Police. Extensive pictures of BSA Police insignia over ten pages.

RANSFORD, Dr. Oliver
Rulers of Rhodesia.
ISBN: 7195 1822 9
London : John Murray.1968.
A readable introduction to the ancient history of the area we called Rhodesia. It begins with the domination of the Rhodesian highveld plateau by the Bushmen until the were pushed out by the arrival of Bantu speaking tribes from the north. It follows the succession of rulers from the Karangas in the 1500's; the Portuguese in the 1600's; the Rozwi, then the Ndebele and finally the Europeans in the 1800's. Of interest to us, however, is the four chapters (which constitutes almost half the book by volume) which cover the British expedition to occupy Mashonaland and the subsequent struggle to maintain their foothold. Chapter 6 (Cecil Rhodes) covers the background and formation of the BSACo Police; Chapter 7 (The Pioneers) chronicles the push into Mashonaland, the border dispute with the Portuguese which culminated in the foray by Major Forbes and the final occupation of Matabeleland. Chapter 8 (The Shangani Patrol) narrates the demise of Alan Wilson's patrol and the chase for Lobengula, and Chapter 9 (The Rebellion) covers the Matabele and Mashona Rebellions which includes a narrative of the Mazoe Patrol. This is an authoritative book which contains a comprehensive bibliography for those wishing to do further reading on the subject. An interesting, recommended read. Frank Flowers (7404)

Bulawayo : Historic Battle Ground of Rhodesia.
Cape Town: A.A. Balkema. 1968.
The title of the book identifies the contents. Although the name BSA Police does not appear in the index, there is reference to the Regiment in the text. It is probable that members of the BSA Police were present at some of the battles described in the book.

Rider-Haggard , Sir Henry and others
Fifty true stories Stranger than Fiction
Odhams Press, London, 1936
Contains Sir Henry Rider Haggard's extremely well written factual account of the last stand of the Allan Wilson Patrol under the title 'Major Wilson's Last Fight' - Peter Stiff

ROGERS, Clifford Ernest.
BSA Police: 4735 Served: 4-Jun-1951 to 3-Jun-1954
Obituary Index.
England : P.p. 2002.
An alphabetical list of obituaries published in the Regimental Magazines of the BSA Police between 1912 - 1983.
The Jameson Raid 1895 - 96.
England : P.p. 2001
The names of those persons who took part in the Jameson Raid, with an introduction and explanatory notes.

SALT, Beryl
The Valiant Years.
Salisbury : Galaxie Press (1974)(Pvt) Ltd. 1978.
The story of Rhodesia from 1890 - 1978 through the facsimile reproduction of newspaper and other printed articles. The BSA Police features on a number of pages.

SAVAGE, John Henry BSA Police 4663 23-Oct-1950 to 1968
From High Street to High Veldt.
Mandurah, W.A.: db Publishing, 2003
ISBN: 187657562X
The autobiography of a former member of the BSA Police, covering in particular the years he served in the Force between 1950 - 68, when he was stationed in places such as Umtali Rural, Odzi, Doma, Sinoia, Shamva, Selukwe and Gwelo. His story covers the 1951 Police Display, Royal visit of 1953, the Royal Review of 1962 and includes mention of the Police Reserve. The author was the last of the London based recruiting officers for the BSA Police.
We both enjoyed John's book tremendously. His easy-to-read style, wry sense of humour and  skill as a sketch artist brought his story to life.  The tales he tells of becoming a Rhodesian policeman while still a teenager and of his experiences serving in the high veldt are enlightening and entertaining, and his drawings are delightful.  We thoroughly recommend you read this book.  Dave and Rosie Bowen
27 October 2007

SAYCE, Katherine
A Town called Victoria.
Bulawayo : Books of Rhodesia. 1978.
The story of the town of Fort Victoria. Although the BSA Police is not included in the book’s index, inevitably the names of several members of the Force, who served in the town are mentioned.

SELOUS, Frederick Courtney
Sunshine and Storm in Rhodesia.
London : Rowland Ward & Co. Ltd. 1896.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1968.
Selous was a famous hunter who guided the 1890 Pioneer Column to Mashonaland. This is his narrative of events in Matabeleland before and during the 1896 Rebellion. Although the police force is only mentioned once, the book contains an Appendix giving the names of casualties, which includes members of the BSA Police.

SELBY, George
The Memoirs Of George Selby
Sable Publishing House, 2007
ISBN: 0-9549488-Q-Q
An autobiography of a normal working man swept up in the winds of change in Rhodesia. His life starting from a high school boy to serving and protect his beloved country and the people that lived in it. His time serving in the B.S.A.P. Reserve force saw him serving in places like Salisbury, Nyamaropa, Mayo, Mount Darwin and Green Convoy.
Mike Selby

www.sable-publishing-house.com
26 April 2008

SEWARD, Anthony BSA Police 5923
The-Victorians an Autobiography by No 5923 Tony Seward
Private Papers
A selection of articles about Seward’s personal experiences before and during my 25 years service in the BSA Police from 1958-1983 and his brief research into historical aspects of the Vila Salazar Police area, its wild life and its people. The articles are in the form of postings to his personal website: http://www.the-victorians.com/
The Victorians Memories of South Africa and Rhodesia
Trafford, 2006
ISBN: 141209147
This is the autobiography of a former member of the B.S.A. Police, of Rhodesia, a force with a long and distinguished reputation as one of the finest police forces in the world. Born in London England in 1940 Tony Seward attested into the B.S.A. Police on the 17th November 1958 and served for twenty-five years in the force before retiring in 1983 as an Inspector. They were turbulent times in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Harold Macmillan’s “winds of change” had turned into a raging storm of political unrest, which swept through Africa culminating in an all out terrorist war, which eventually engulfed the entire region. Tony found himself thrown into this turmoil and became a reluctant rebel when the Rhodesian Government declared unilateral independence on the 11th November 1965. Terrorist incursions into the country were increasing and there was no time to reflect upon the rights or wrongs of the Ian Smith Governments unilateral declaration of independence. He spent much of his service in Victoria Province in the South of Rhodesia and most of that in the South Eastern area at Vila Salazar, a police post on the Mozambique border where the countries Political restricted were being held in camps. He grew to love the Gonarezhou area, its wild life and its people and made many friends in Rhodesia, South Africa and Mozambique during his service in that area. As the terrorist war crept Southwards Tony cultivated these friends as willing agents for the Rhodesian Security branch. He tells of the tragedies and triumphs of the country then attacked from all directions and the eventual take over of the Rhodesian Government by the Mugabe led Zimbabwe African National Union in April 1980. After his retirement in 1983 Tony moved to take up the position of site manager of the Kyle boat club near Masvingo in the new Zimbabwe. He tells of the deterioration of the economy and the eventual land invasions by former terrorists and others hungry for land. Personal concerns for his own safety and security resulted in Tony returning to the United Kingdom in 2004 and his struggles to get into the “system”. He tells of his efforts to re establish old friendships and how he has managed to adjust to his new environment after fifty-seven years in Africa
Tony Seward

SHAY, Reg
The Silent War.
Salisbury : Galaxie Press. 1971
Part 1 of the book covers Rhodesia and the terrorist war during the period 1967 - 70 with interesting stories about the BSA Police , together with photographs depicting several members of the Force, who served during those years

SILLITOE, Sir Percy Joseph KBE. BSA Police 970 25-Apr-1908 to 8/2/1911
Cloak without Dagger.
N.p : Cassell. 1955
The autobiography of a former member of the BSA Police who attested on 25-Apr-1908 and after completing his three went onto serve in the NRP. In subsequent years served as the Chief Constable of a number of Forces in England before becoming head of British Intelligence MI5.

SIMLEIT, Philip
60 Years of Good Cheer
Salisbury : Privately Published, 1980
The autobiography and memories of the person who founded Phlip's Central Cellars, a company based in Salisbury and well known in Rhodesia's wine trade for many years. Includes a chapter, together with photographs covering the author's service as a Reservist in the BSA Police during WWII and subsequent years.
Geoff Quick

SINCLAIR, Shirley
The Story of Melsetter.
Salisbury : M.O.Collins (Pty)Ltd. 1971.
The story of Melsetter in Rhodesia’s Eastern Highlands from the beginning until the early 1970’s. There is mention of the BSA Police at Melsetter and some of the members of the Force who served at that station.

SPURLING, Basil Gordon BSA Police 3100 18-Apr-1929 to 1965
Reluctant Rebal.
South Africa : Voortrekkerspers. 1966
The author was Commissioner of the BSA Police from 1958 - 63, although there is little relating directly to the Force and is mainly the authors views on events leading up to Rhodesia’s UDI on 11th. November, 1965.

STEEN, Trevor T. BSA Police 9048 25-Sep-1973-16/2/1978
British South Africa Police : A Force at War.
Belfast : Kudu Publishing. 1997
The author is a former member of the BSA Police, describing his involvment in the terrorist war. One reader, who served with Steen at Inyanga, has said that it is regrettable that the book has to be included in the Bibliography as it contains a number of major errors. A photograph of the author’s recruit training squad in Depot, with the caption that he was the only survivor of the war is incorrect, as all are known to have survived.  A claim by the author, that he leopard crawled from Nyamaropa in north-east Rhodesia to Nyadzonya in Mocambique and identified a terrorist camp, is pure fiction.

STIFF, Peter BSA Police 4831. 31-Dec-1951 to 2-Jan-1972
The Selous Scouts. (as told to the author by Lt.Col.Ron Reid Daly).
Alberton, S.A.: Galago Publishing. 1982.
This is the story of the Selous Scouts and their involvement in the terrorist war. Although the Scouts was a military unit. it was a concept first tried by members of the BSA Police in 1973. Book includes frequent mention of the BSA Police and individual members of the Force.
See You in November.
Alberton, S.A : Galago Publishing.1985.
The story of Rhodesian Intelligence operations in Zambia during the 1970’s. The BSA Police is mentioned, as are individuals, who were served in the Force. Although the author is a former member of the BSA Police, the book is not a particularly noteworthy source of information about the Regiment’s history.
Taming the Landmine
Galago, Alberton, RSA - 1986
ISBN: 0-9470-2004-7
Covers the development of landmine protected vehicles in southern Africa. Includes details of the first landmine blasts in Rhodesia (the second involved a policeman. It describes efforts made by the Rhodesian pioneers in this field, Chief Inspector Don Hollingworth and Inspector Dave Perkins. It details the mine protected Land-Rover, the Rhino, the police model Puma and so on. It also gives the total casualties from landmine blasts during the war - Peter Stiff

STIRLING, John
Our Regiments In South Africa : 1899 - 1902.
Edinburgh : William Black & Sons. 1907.
N.p : J.B.Hayward & Son. 1994.
The activities of the various regiments involved in the South African War, compiled from official despatches sent back to London, with the BSA Police covered on pages 219 - 222, and includes a list of BSA Police Honours and Awards.

STOCK, A.P (Epilogue Only). BSA Police 6063 31-Aug-1959 to 31-Aug-1984
Outpost : Stories of the Rhodesian Police.
Cape Town : Books of Africa (Pty) Ltd. 1970
A selection of stories taken from the BSA Police “The Outpost” magazine, which was first published as the “Police Review” in 1911.

SUTTON, John P.A. BSA Police 7670 10-Jan-1967 to 9-Jan-1970, 8725 20-Jan-1972 to 30-Sep-1980
Nominal Roll of Members of the British South Africa Company’s
Police (BSACP) with Alphabetical Index.
P.p. Johannesburg. N.d.
The title of the publication is self explanatory. It does not, however, contain names of Offices of the BSACP, details of whom can be found in A.S.HICKMAN’s “The Men who made Rhodesia”.

SYKES, Frank W.
With Plumer in Matabeleland.
London : Archibald Constable & Co 1897.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia.1972.
Reports on military activities in Matabeleland in 1896 during the Rebellion. The book does not have an index. Includes two photographs of members of the Matabele Native Police. Names of members of the Matabeleland Mounted Police are also mentioned.

TANSER, G.H.
Founders of Rhodesia.
N.p. : N.p. 1950
A Scantling of Time : The story of Salisbury, Rhodesia 1890 - 1900.
Salisbury : Stuart Manning (Pty) Ltd. 1965.
The title of the book is self explanatory, which is indexed and includes frequent references to the BSACP, BSA Police and the BSA Native Police as well as the Matabele Mounted Police.
A Sequence of Time : The story of Salisbury Rhodeisa 1900 - 1914.
Salisbury : Pioneer Head. 1974.
Includes frequent mention of the BSA Police.

TAYLOR, Brian Harry
BSA Police: 5507 24-Jun-1956 to 17-Jan-1983
Hoel Llewellyn
N.p P.p. N.d.

THOMPSON, John
Crime Scientist
Bulawayo : Books of Zimbabwe. 1980.
The author became the first Director of the British South Africa Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Salisbury in 1963, a postion he held until retirement in 1973. A tribute to the men of the British South Africa Police engaged in crime detection and the man who guided them employing forensic science.

TRETHOWAN, Anthony
BSA Police: 9192 - Served Jan 1974 to Jan 1981
Delta Scout
30 Degrees South Publishing, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-920143-21-3



An autobiographical account of the author's experiences in rural Rhodesia as a police officer in the BSA Police which concentrates on his service firstly as a Ground Coverage operator and then as a member of the Rhodesian Special Branch.  His account is richly interspersed with anecdotes of the 'wild frontier' life dealing with all the experiences of a district policeman in the nineteen seventies, before venturing into intelligence work and his involvement in the counter-insurgency campaign leading to Zimbabwean independence in 1980.

VAN DER POEL, Jean
The Jameson Raid.
Cape Town : Oxford University Press. 1951.
The majority of those who took part in the Jameson Raid were serving members of either the Mashonaland or Matabeleland Mounted Police.

WALLACE, Robert L.
Elands River Siege 1900
Riverswood: Australian Military History Publications, 1992
A good account of the siege, focusing not surprisingly on the Australian participation, but the Rhodesian contingent, which included members of the BSA Police gets more than a passing mention. A member of the BSA Police No.1 Division was k.i.a. at the siege and is buried in the military section of the cemetery at Swartruggens.
Geoff Quick

WILLAN, Brian P, Ph.D (Editor)
Edward Ross Diary of the Siege of Mafeking Oct 99 to May 1900
Van Riebeeck Society, Cape Town (2nd series no. 11), 1980
ISBN: 0620-05207-4
Numerous references to the BSA Police and its role in the siege. Gives the numbers taking part as 10 officers and 81 other ranks under Lt-Col Walford. Describes the BSA Police fort and says how it was flanked by trenches manned by the 'Black Watch'- drawn from Fingo community in the town. Deals with the armoured train, the sniper squad, the cricket match between the PR(?) and the BSA Police which was 'easily won' by the former, and the fall of the fort. The relief column of Plumer containing BSA Police element is also included.
Peter Stiff

WILLIAMS, Peter Bryson
BSA Police 938 13-Dec-1907 to 1911
In Lightest Africa and Darkest Europe
London: East Africa, 1936
Autobiography of a former member of the BSA Police, who after service with the Force worked as a mining compound manager and during the Great War served on the Western Front, where he was invalided out with trench foot, but came back with the rank of Captain and an M.C. After the war he lived in Tanganyika. Pages 7 - 41 deal with his time in the BSA Police.
Geoff Quick

WILLS, W.A. and COLLINGRIDGE, L.T. eds.
The Downfall of Lobengula.
London : Simpkin, Marshall, Kent & Co. Ltd. 1894.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia. 1971.
The British South Africa Company’s official version of the history and effect of the 1893 Matabele War. The 1971 publication contains an index, which includes brief references to the BSA Police only.

WILMOT, Hon. Alexander KSG
The History of our Own Times in South Africa Vol.3 1889 - 98
London: J.C.Juta & Co., 1899
Amongst the chapters in this volume are 105 pages dealing with the Jameson Raid and its consequences; followed by a chapter "The Conquest of Rhodesia".
Geoff Quick

WILSON, H.W.
With the Flag to Pretoria. 2 Vols.
London : Harmsworth Bros. 1902.
Various references to the BSA Police during the 1899 - 1902 South African War, including what has been described as some interesting photographs.

WRIGHT, Tim
The History of the Northern Rhodesia Police.
Bristol : British Empire & Commonwealth Museum. 2001.
As well as numerous references to the BSA Police and individuals in the Force, together with the occasional photograph, the book includes complete chapters on : The British South Africa Police in North-Western Rhodesia and The Barotse Native Police. The BSA Police’s participation in the Great War is also covered.

Non-Fiction (General History - with
reference to BSA Police)

Many books have been written about Rhodesia over the years. Often, what can be described as no more than passing references to the BSA Police are sometimes included. Invariably these types of books cannot be considered as particularly relevant and useful sources of information on the Regimental History.

BEVAN, Shelia
The Parting Years - A British Family and the end of the Empire.
London : Radcliffe Press. 2001.
The story itself is not relevant to the BSA Police. The author, however, was married to Alfred Trevor BEVAN, a former member of the BSA Police (3790). Although the marriage took place after Trevor had left the Rhodesian Police, there are references to his service in the BSA Police and his meeting with members of the Force during his service in Nyasaland.

BULPIN, T.V.
To the Banks of the Zambezi.
Johannesburg : Thomas Nelson & Sons (Africa)(Pty)Ltd. 1965.
A story about that part of Central Africa between the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers, which became Rhodesia. There is mention of the BSACP and the BSA Police, but the book should not be considered as being particularly informative when researching the Regimental History.

CARY, Robert
The Pioneer Corps
Galaxie Press, Rhodesia, 1975
Comprehensive book with a demographic analysis of the men of the Corps-where they came from,where they were educated,how many stayed and died in Rhodesia.A diary of the trek to Mashonaland,a nominal roll ,a schedule of the rations,pay and equipment issued.Invaluable book for research.
5329/10511 Paddy Morton

CHURCHILL, R.S. Lord
Men, Mines and Animals in South Africa.
London : Sampson Low, Martson & Co. 1893.
Bulawayo : Republished by Books of Rhodesia.1969.
Churchill was a shareholder in the B.S.A.Co., who visited Mashonaland in 1891, to check the veracity of reports about the purported richness of the gold strikes. There is a brief mention of the BSACP, but the book cannot be considered as a particularly useful source of information, when researching the Regimental History.

Cole, Barbara
Sabotage and Torture
Three Knights, Amanzimtoti, 1988
ISBN: 0620130261
Written of events after 1980 but mentions members who were in BSA Police and mentions stations and CID. One of the Zim Airforce members arrested, Barry Lloyd was peviously a member of BSA Police, Philip Conjwayo was previously a member of BSA Police(CID).

CONAN DOYLE, Sir A.
The Great Boer War
London: George Bell & Sons 1900
A factual account of the Boer War, with maps. Chapter 24 devotes 20 pages to the Seige of Mafeking where details of the numerous actions of the beleaguered garrison is given and the hardships which were suffered. Mention is made of the composition of the beseiged garrison of irregular troops under Baden-Powell. Specific mention is made (on page 408) of an action on the 31st October when the Boers attacked a defensive outpost on Cannon Kopje to the south of the town. It was defended by Colonel Walford and 57 members of the BSA Police. The attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the Boers. Six members of the BSA Police were killed and five wounded in the engagement.  Details are also given of Plumers relief column from Bechuanaland and their subsequent deployemnt in the Transvaal after the relief of Mafeking.

DIPPENAAR, Marius de Witt
1913 - 1988 South African Police Commemorative Album.
Silverton, South Africa : Promedia Publications (Pty)Ltd. 1988.
Includes a chapter on the S.A.P. in Rhodesia and touches briefly on the BSA Police.

FAIRBRIDGE, Kingsley
The Autobiography of Kingsley Fairbridge.
London : Oxford University Press. 1927.
Bulawayo : Books of Rhodesia. 1974. Republished as Kingsley Fairbridge
His Life and Verse with additional text and illustrations..
Mention of the BSA Police Camps at Sinoia and Urungwe and a Trp. Percy Erskine Driver, who had previously been a Jameson Raider.

GALBRAITH, J.S.
Crown and Charter : The Early Years of the B.S.A.Co.
Berkeley : University of California.1974
A passing reference to the raising of the Regiment in 1889, but puts more emphasis on the early economic and political development of Rhodesia.

GARRETT, F E
The Story of an African Crisis
Constable, Westminster, 1897
Contemporary and detailed account of the Jameson Raid written very shortly after it occurred. Gives much detail on events leading up to it and afterwards as well as details of the police raiders themselves. Provides a fine account of the battle of Doornkop and includes a map of the action - Peter Stiff, 4831

GON, P.
Send Carrington.
Craighill, S.A. : A.D.Donker. 1984
Includes fairly good detail about the formation of the BBP, but makes only passing references to the BSACP.

GOWEN, Roger Anthony
BSA Police: 5157 1-Nov-1953 -
Voyage to Paradise.
n..p.: Frederick Muller Ltd. 1963.
The book is not about the BSA Police, but four members of the BSA Police from Bulawayo, who after leaving the Force returned to Britain and bought a boat and sailed it round the world. After many adventures, their vessel was shipwrecked off the coast of New Zealand.

GROGAN, Ewart Scott , DSO
From the Cape to Cairo
T Nelson & Sons, Ltd, 1900
The second book of a two book series chronicalling the first traverse of Africa from the South to North. This book, with a Foreword by Cecil John Rhodes, dated Bulawayo, September 1900, covers the expedition from Southern Rhodesia to Cairo. The author, a lesser known English explorer, describes in detail the hunts he conducted in the various territories as he progressed northwards via PEA, British Central Africa (Nyasaland) and GEA, etc. In Blantyre, the author records (on pg 71) of being introduced to Major Harding CMG, by the Commissioner of Northern Rhodesia, Mr Codrington. Major Harding was recruiting Angonis for the BSA Police at the time. Further mention is made of Major Harding's mission on page 375. Also of interest is that the author describes (on pg 23) of attending a trial, in Salisbury, of the Mashonalnand Rebellion particpants. He records the "absolute justic meted out" and the leniency of the Courts where doubt of guilt or a technicality of law existed. He further expresses his admiration (pgs 93-99) of the work done by the BSA or Chartered Company and its "mere handful of policemen, with less than a hundred native police" in bring law and order to a vast, wild tract of territory "without fuss and practically without bloodshed". An interesting book for those keen on early African colonial history or big game hunting in Cantral Africa. Frank Flowers (7404)

HOLE, Hugh Marshall
The Jameson Raid
Phillip Allan, London, 1930
Written from the viewpoint of a man who held a senior post in the BSA Police Co's Johannesburg office which brought him into contact with people who figured prominenly in the revolutionary project including Cecil Rhodes, Jameson (whose private secretary he was from 1991-93), Dr F Rutherford Harris, Col Frank Rhodes and others. He provides details of early preparations in Rhodesia, how the police raiders were recruited and armed, how they moved to Pitsani in Bechuanaland under Inspector Straker. How they fought and efeated three chiefs there and forced them to cede a strip of land for the proposed railway to the Chartered Company. Gives details of the raid itself, the raiders defeat at Doornkop and the aftermath - Peter Stiff, 4831

LONGDEN H. W. D.
Red Buffalo
Juta, 1950
The story of Will Longden, Pioneer, Friend and Emissary of Rhodes,and cousin of author, who had an adventurous life including his upbringing on the Karoo, involvement in the Basuto War 1880, life on the move in South Africa, travelling through PEA to spend several months as Rhodes' repesentative in GunGunyana's kraal, running an oxwagon convoy into Rhodesia loaded with supplies for Jameson's attack on Bulawayo, with the relief column for Forbes who was trying to catch Lobengula, the 1896 Rebellion, working as first magistrate at Melsetter and much more. Mentions the BBP and BSACP on occasions. Author wrote book in conjunction with "Red Buffalo". Interesting, modestly written without flourish, a good read.
Ted Dowling

LONGFORD, Elizabeth
The Jameson Raid: The Prelude to the Boer War
Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London, 1960
Jonathan Ball Publishers, Johannesburg, 1982
ISBN: 0-86850-037-2
Deals with the full history of the Jameson Raid both before and afterwards. Explains how the BSA Co Police assembled at Pitsani in Bechuanaland obstensibly to protect railway construction against marauding natives. Explains how the 356-strong column set off for Johannesburg and the failed attempts to halt the raiders. Tells how a 100-strong force of Bettington's Horse set out to meet them but turned back. Finally it deals with the last stand at Doornkop where the raiders were defeated - Peter Stiff 4831

MAIN, Michael
BSA Police: 6293 13/2/1961 to 23-Dec-1976
Zambezi : Journey of a River.
Johannesburg : Southern Book Publishers (Pty)Ltd. 1990.
Written by a former member of the BSA Police, although there is only a brief reference to the Regiment and its involvement in the occupation of Schuckmannsburg in the Caprivi Strip during the Great War.

MEARS, Chris
Goodbye Rhodesia
Antony Rowe Publishing Services, 2005
ISBN: 1-905200-44-7
Autobiography of Lomagundi tobacco farmer's wife, 1952 - 77, who later was involved in tousism at Victoria Falls and then Fort Victoria. Her daughter joined BSA Police (WPO No.207) married a member of the Force. The author worked at Fort Victoria Police station for a while. There are several mentions of the Force.

MICHELL, Sir Lewis
The Life of the Rt Hon Cecil John Rhodes (Vols 1 & 2)
Edward Arnold London, 1910
Sir Lewis Michell was often referred to as Rhodes' bank. He not only established, at Rhodes' request, the first branch of the Standard Bank in Rhodesia but was associated in many other ways with the country. His intimate biograph of Rhodes gives the background to and makes mention of men like Cols Pennfather and Plumer. Writes about the occupation of Mashonaland and the BSACP's role in it as well as the little-mentioned 400 BSACP and BBP stationed at Macloutsie to guard against a Matabele invasion of Mashonaland. Catalogues the police occupation of Macequece in PEA, the Matable War, the Jameson Raid and the Matabele and Mashona Rebellions - Peter Stiff 4831

PETTER-BOWER P.J.H.
Winds of Destruction
Crewe : Trafford Publishing (UK)Ltd, 2003
Autobiography of a former member of the Rhodesian Airforce with particular mention of the relationship he established with leading members of the country's other Forces, including the BSA Police, during the terrorist war. Names of a number former members of the BSA Police included, as are some former members in group photographs.
Geoff Quick

ROBINS, Eric and LEGGE, Ronald
Animal Dunkirk.
London : Herbert Jenkins Ltd. 1959
The story of Lake Kariba and “Operation Noah” in 1958 to rescue the stranded game from the flooded Zambezi Valley. Mention made of two persons who served in the BSA Police.

RUSSELL, Nick BSA Police 9596 and WHITEHEAD, Chris
Darwin Days
Rhodesians Worldwide Magazine, 2005
ISBN: 1-59975-130-5
Calvin Coolidge once said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of perseverance.  Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.  Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.  Perseverance and determination alone are omnipotent" There are no doubt many examples of this statement that he refers to in American history, but it is exemplified in “Darwin Days” published by Chris Whitehead and Nick Russell (ex BSA Police), both of them young men who experienced life in Mount Darwin in the 1960’s and 70’s.  Mount Darwin impacted on their lives, turning them rapidly from boys to men and in their reflections today, although there are attempts to hide them, the scars show through. This book is a collection of contributions from farmers, policemen, soldiers and civil servants who spent, in some cases a lot, in others only a little time in Mount Darwin.  Some of the contributors were children who are today grown men and women.  And it is these former children who have made some of the most graphic but modest and selfless contributions. This is a history book.  There are stories of great courage, selfless bravery, sheer stupidity and much fun in unusual circumstances.  But most of all, the collections illustrate the character of the Rhodesian farmer during the period between 1950 and 1980.   The so-called ‘white colonial oppressors’ who not only built their farms from nothing, but assimilated the African people into their lives, albeit at arms length, with empathy and goodwill.  Today their attitude to the African people is described by those who think they know best as ‘patronising’ and ‘superior’.  Read these collections and judge for yourself.   They tell us in simple modest language why Rhodesia was once the ‘breadbasket of Africa’, and perhaps in a way, why it is no longer. This book is a ‘must read’ for anyone who lived in the Rhodesia of old, for it not only tells about the character of the people of Mount Darwin, but about all Rhodesians.  It is a ‘must read’ for anyone who wants to better understand Africa.
Kyran Robinson, Harare, June 2006

SUTHERLAND, Robert S.
BSA Police: 1393 8/2/1911 to 31-Dec-1919
Zambezi Camp Fires.
n.p. : Witherby. 1935
Tales by a former member of the BSA Police of hunting in Northern Rhodesia and the Zambezi Valley.

THOMAS, Antony
Rhodes.
London : BBC Books. 1996.
Biography of Cecil Rhodes in which the BSACP is mentioned twice in passing.

TYNDALE-BRISCOE, David
Sailor Soldier
Privately South Africa, 2005
ISBN: 0-620-32752-9
A privately published biography limited to 250 copies. The story of Comd. E. C. Tyndale-Briscoe, who served as a member of the Pioneer Column sent to Mashonaland in 1896 and based on his journals and diaries. Several references to the BSA Police in those early days.
Geoff Quick

The name Tyndale-Biscoe is well-known to all students of the Pioneer Column. This book is a biography of Cdr E C T-B (by his grand-nephew) which is substantially focused on his adventures in southern Africa. Although stated to be drawn from his diaries and letters when besieged at Ladysmith there is nothing to indicate the extent of any editing The reader must overlook considerable numbers of mistakes in spelling but if they were taken directly from the diaries then this can be forgiven.
The book has much of interest and adds to our knowledge and understanding of the activities of the Pioneer Column. There is much mentioned of the Mashonaland and Matabeleland Mounted Police units also.
The book had a limited run of 250 numbered copies and I understand a second edition (revised?) was issued in 2006
Ted Dowling

SAFFERY, David
The Rhodesia Medal Roll: Honours & Decorations of the Rhodesian Conflict, 1970-1981
Jeppestown Press, London (www.jeppestown.com), 2006
ISBN: 0-9553936-0-4
The "Rhodesia Medal Roll" is a complete nominal roll of over 12,000+ gazetted awards of Rhodesian honours and decorations between 1970 and October 1981; around 6,000 of which are named to BSA Police or Police Reserve members. It includes the names of over 1,700 previously unpublished recipients, but excludes General Service Medals.  The book also features a surname index to make cross-checking awards more convenient.  The book is the result of 2 years' research in the UK, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Perfect for medal collectors and dealers, historians and genealogists - and a brilliant heirloom souvenir for recipients, their families and descendants.
David Saffery

SMITH, Ian
The Great Betrayal.
London : Blake Publishing Ltd. 1997.
Memoirs of the last Rhodesian Prime Minister, with only a passing reference to the BSA Police.

SOMERSET-BELL, W H
Bygone Days
H F & G Witherby, London, 1933
An account of the Jameson Raid. Relates how Jameson's force of Mashonaland Mounted Police assembled at Pitsani in Bechuanaland and extensive training was embarked on. This unit commanded by Lt Col H F White comprised 372 officers and men with 480 horses, 128 mules and 65 'Cape boys'. They had one 12.5 pounder gun and six Maxims. After embarking on the raid they were supposed to be joined en route by the BBP under Col Raleigh Grey. They were but many refused to go and they were only 122 strong with drivers and other attendants with two seven pounders and two Maxims. Sir Hercules Robinson, the Governor of the Cape ordered the column to turn around but Jameson ignored the order. They were defeated by the Boers at the Battle of Doornkop. Includes details of the aftermath - Peter Stiff, 4831

STIFF, Peter
BSA Police 4831. 31-Dec-1951 to 2-Jan-1972
Cry Zimbabwe - Independence Twenty Years On
Alberton, S.A.: Galago Publishing. 2000.


Covers the Zimbabwe post independence period. Although there is mention of the BSA Police and individuals in the Force all comment is related to the period subsequent to 1980 and is therefore not relevant to the history of the BSA Police.
The Rain Goddess
Jacaranda Press, Rhodesia, 1973
ISBN: 919-85406-1
In the late 1960s early 1970s Peter Stiff was a superintendent in the BSA Police. Internal insurgency combined with major armed guerrilla incursions from Zambia had commenced, but the government played them down to the public at large. In an effort to maintain public morale/ignorance only the police, and latterly regular army soldiers, were deployed on counter-insurgency operations. The government was determined to avoid casualties amongst young national servicemen. Stiff did not subscribe to the view that the public should be kept in the dark. After resigning his commission in 1972 he wrote this book, a 'fictional' account of the bush war based on his own experiences and those of his former police comrades. It was impossible to write it as non fiction because this would have carried the sanction of of a prosecution under the Official Secrets Act. The Rain Goddess served its purpose and alerted an amazed Rhodesian public to the undeclared war war then raging on its doorstep. The Rain Goddess is widely recognised as the classic novel on the Rhodesian Bush War.  Latest edition published by Galago, Alberton, RSA. Cover can be lifted by right clicking on image in www.galago.co.za.
Peter Stiff

THOMPSON, Colonel John De Lisle (Jock)
The Story of Rhodesian Sport: Volume One: 1889 - 1935
Reproduction of the 1935 edition, published by Books of Rhodesia, Bulawayo. 1976
ISBN: 0 86920 150 6
This book chronicles the development of sport in Rhodesia. From our perspective, it is interesting to see that the roots of most sport in Rhodesia can be traced back to our Force. Indeed, the book documents the dominance of Police Teams and individual Policemen in early Rhodesian sport and how they went onto represent their country at a National level or became prominent sports administrators. Even if you are not into sport, this book is a recommended read for anyone interested in the history of the Force as it gives a fascinating insight into our former members. It contains numerous photographs of our early Police teams and individuals as well as anecdotes about them, both on and off the sports fields. Frank Flowers (7404)

THURSBY-ATWELL, J.E.M
The Fighting Police of South Africa
N.p.: The Natal Witness. 1925.

WELENSKY, Sir Roy
Welensky's 4000 Days
London : Collins, 1964
The life and death of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Only mention of the BSA Police is the Force's involvement in the 1959 Nyasaland Emergency, when members were sent to that country to assist in the restoration of law and order.
Geoff Quick

WOOD, J.R.T.
The Welensky Papers: A History of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
Graham Publishing, Durban, 1983
ISBN: 0-620-06410-2
A very comprehensive history of the Federation (1330 pages) much of which is Rhodesian history in those years. Numerous mentions of the BSA Police including the initial negotiations whether it should become a Federal force, Garfield Todd's insistence on using the army instead of the BSA Police to break the Wankie strike, how Labour's Barbara Castle insisted the BSA Police and SAP were one and the same, how the BSA Police was deployed to Nyasaland in 1959, the July riots in Rhodesia in 1961 and the role of the BSA Police, various mentions of Commissioner Basil Spurling and so on - Peter Stiff, 4831
So Far and No Further! Rhodesia's bid for Independence during the retreat from Empire - 1959-1965
30Deg South Publishing (Pty) Ltd, 2005
ISBN: 9584890-2-5
A further well written and comprehensive and in-depth study of Rhodesia history in the lead up to the Unilateral Declaration of Independence with frequent references to the British South Africa Police and drawing from the private papers of Ian Smith made exclusively available to author Richard Wood.  An excellent work which any researcher into Rhodesian history should have on his book self.
Andrew Field

Fiction Section

There have also been books of fiction written, which are relevant to the BSA Police.

BURGESS, Alan
The Word for Love
Michael Joseph Ltd, 1968
The book is the story of an Inspector at a BSA Police outpost going through his mid-life crisis during the 60s as political tension increases. A